The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman has asked citizens to pray for Leaders to succeed as well as to pray for the Nigeria’s progress.
Suleiman made the plea today during a grand Ramadan Iftar he organized for principal officers, Honorable Members and staff of the Assembly.
“Today’s Iftar is aimed at cementing the mutual relationship among staff of the State legislature, it also had in attendance officials from the Executive Arm of Government, former House Members, LGA Chairmen, PDP stakeholders and some constituents”,.
In an interview, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman revealed that the Iftar is meant to unite staff, Members and others from Ministries, Department and Agencies for the overall development of the State.
He stated further that a gathering of leaders from different angles was inspired by the Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir (Kauran Bauchi) who has been an exemplary leader and extraordinary role model.
The Speaker then urged the general public to be praying for leaders at all levels for them to fulfil campaign promises, he pleaded on all to be law abiding especially in this festive period; he concluded by wishing the populace a hitch-free Eid celebration.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Aminu Hammayo Misau explained that the large number of people that graced the Iftar is an indicator that there is understanding and cordial relationship between the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government.
He thanked the Speaker for inviting people from all works of life while urging him to maintain the tempo, he then called on people of the State to distance themselves from acts capable of disrupting the harmonious atmosphere.
The SSG stressed that the Governor is working tirelessly to make the State better through implementation of good policies, lasting projects and economic growth.
Interestingly, all that attended today’s Iftar were served to their satisfaction as balanced diet, drinks and fresh fruits were provided in abundance. On the other hand, the Honorable Speaker decided to expand his annual Ramadan feeding program to cover more constituents.
Recall that last year, ten thousand (10,000) were fed, but considering the increased in population and economic hardship in the country, five hundred (500) people are being fed on daily basis.
This laudable initiative of the Speaker for this year targets to nutritionalised fifteen thousand (15,000) people not just those that emanated from his Ningi Central Constituency but the people from all angles in Ningi Local Government Area.
… Unveiled 2024-2028 Multisectoral Action Plan for Food and Nutrition
From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI
The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau on Wednesday unveiled the State’s 2024-2028 Multisectoral Action Plan for Food and Nutrition, a strategic approach to combat malnutrition and improve food security in the state.
Speaking at the launching of the plan held at the conference hall of his office, Government House, Bauchi, Auwal Jatau said Bauchi state is poised to implement the National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition to help the state move forward.
The Deputy Governor, who is the chairman of the State Nutrition Council (SNC), noted that the present administration of Governor Bala Mohammed has taken a crucial steps to accelerate the reduction of hunger and malnutrition in the state.
According to him, having realized that malnutrition and hunger cannot be eliminated through efforts of one sector, the state government has began the development of nutrition-sensitive interventions in the agriculture, health, social protection, early child development, education, and water and sanitation sectors, in order to achieve the Zero Hunger Challenge (ZHC) including zero stunting among children under the age of five years.
He said to address malnutrition and hunger, the state government has made adequate budgetary provision in the annual budget for nutrition programs such as Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) among others.
“It is for this reason that the State Government has taken the bold step to produce a holistic costed State strategic plan of action for Nutrition in a process where all relevant sectors at all levels were involved. Nine priority areas have been identified that are considered key to improving Nutritional status in the State.
“In particular, the plan also identifies the need for strengthened collaboration between sectors and improved financing and accountability mechanisms to achieve the ambitious targets. This costed plan will also serve as a resource mobilization tool for the State and subsequently an allocation guide for effective implementation as well as proper program monitoring and evaluation.
“The successful implementation of this strategic plan of action will therefore depend on the sustained commitment of the different levels of government, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders.
Bauchi State has made significant investments towards improving the nutritional outcomes of its children.”
Auwal Jatau therefore said the plan will be used as an advocacy tool for improved nutrition financing in Bauchi and incorporates monitoring and evaluation, accountability and learning components for easy tracking of progress and impact evaluation.
On her part, the Commissioner of Budget, Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Amina Katagum, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jibrin Yusuf said the action plan was developed with the support of development partners to tackle malnutrition in the state.
Over 40,000 families in Borno State have benefited from the Aliko Dangote Food Intervention Programme as part of measures to cushion the effects of economic challenges.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum said the donation of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Borno State by the Aliko Dangote Foundation(ADF) would help cushion economic hardship in these families.
A statement from the Corporate Communications Department of Dangote Group, quoted the Governor, represented by the Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali Abdullahi Isa, as speaking at the flag-off of the Food Intervention Programme in Maiduguri.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation had, penultimate week, commenced the distribution of one million bags of rice worth N16 billion across the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
Zulum said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the Holy month of Ramadan.”
According to him, the generous donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.
“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy”, he said
and urged the people of Borno State to continue to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the state and country.
A representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Usman Muhammad, said the gesture is aimed at supporting government’s effort, adding that the Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
Muhammad said the donation is targeted at the poor and the vulnerable persons in the State.
A beneficiary, Ms Aisha Modu, 50, said as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF will go a long way in alleviating her economic hardship.
Another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he will use the rice to feed his six children, while praying God to continue to bless the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
In a significant political development, Senator Suleiman Mohammed Nazif, a former Deputy National Chairman and prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside his loyal supporters and political associates. This move marks a new chapter for Senator Nazif, who has long been a key figure in Nigerian politics.
After careful consultations and in response to the growing desire for change among his constituents, Senator Nazif announced his resignation from the PDP, choosing to align himself with a party that embodies true democratic values, good governance, and a renewed focus on Nigeria’s development. The decision is seen as a major step toward reshaping the political landscape, signaling a shift towards prioritizing service to the people over personal political ambitions.
Senator Nazif, who has held influential roles within the PDP, including as a member of the National Working Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BOT), is widely regarded for his statesmanship and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. His switch to the SDP is viewed as a clear endorsement of the party’s ideals of justice, fairness, and national development.
Addressing his supporters and the Nigerian public, Senator Nazif expressed his commitment to championing policies that promote the well-being of the Nigerian people. “I have decided to join the SDP because it is a party that stands for the people, and I believe it is the platform that will usher in a new era of governance in Nigeria,” he stated.
The SDP has welcomed Senator Nazif’s decision, viewing it as a reinforcement of its mission to build a political platform for progressive minds committed to a prosperous and democratic Nigeria. The party leadership emphasized that Senator Nazif’s vast experience and political influence would play a critical role in advancing the party’s objectives at the national level.
In his statement, the SDP noted that this development represents a new dawn for Nigerian politics, one where leaders are committed to working in the best interests of the nation, setting aside personal aspirations in favor of collective progress. The party further called on all Nigerians who are passionate about justice, fairness, and a better future for the country to join the SDP and contribute to the movement for positive change.
As Senator Nazif takes this bold step into the SDP, his supporters are optimistic that his leadership will contribute significantly to the realization of a new direction for Nigeria—one that prioritizes the needs of the people and aims to build a brighter future for the nation.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has reinforced its commitment to tackling the menace of illegal arms proliferation in Nigeria, calling on the media to play an active role in sensitizing the public.
The Zonal Director of the Centre’s South-East office, Major General Okechukwu Nkem Ugo (Rtd.), made the appeal on Wednesday while interacting with journalists at the Secretariat Complex of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, in Awka, where he gave an overview on the Centre’s mandate, achievements, and future plans.
Speaking at the event, Major General Ugo emphasized that the NCCSALW was established to ensure Nigeria aligns with global best practices in controlling arms proliferation. The Centre, which was first established by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2021, recently gained legal backing following the signing of its enabling act into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June last year. Operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Centre has six zonal offices across the country, with the South-East office based in Enugu.
According to the Zonal Director, the primary objective of the Centre is to rid Nigeria of illicit arms, preventing weapons from moving illegally within or across the country’s borders. He noted that millions of small arms and light weapons in circulation pose a significant threat to national security, fueling violence, crime, and instability in various regions. In line with the United Nations Programme of Action, Nigeria established the Centre to collaborate with international organizations to combat the illegal flow of arms.
Major General Ugo explained that small arms are those that can be operated by an individual, such as an AK-47 rifle, while light weapons require two or more persons to operate. He added that the Centre employs a dual approach—kinetic and non-kinetic—in its operations. According to him, while security agencies such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps actively confiscate illegal arms from criminals, the Centre ensures these arms do not find their way back into society, as the law mandates the agencies to hand of the recovered arms to the Centre. Additionally, he said the Centre equally focuses on advocacy, enlightenment, and engagement with various groups, including youths, religious bodies, and civil society organizations, to discourage illicit possession of arms.
Highlighting the progress made so far, Major General Ugo revealed that over 20,000 illicit arms have been recovered nationwide, with 10,000 already destroyed. However, he expressed concern over Anambra State ranking highest in the number of illicit arms recovered in the South-East, stressing the urgent need for intensified efforts to curb the problem. He further warned that illegal possession of firearms attracts a prison sentence of up to 10 years and urged individuals in possession of unauthorized weapons to surrender them voluntarily to avoid prosecution.
To enhance its operations, the Centre plans to establish state offices across Nigeria, which will facilitate improved communication, intelligence gathering, and enforcement. These state offices will complement the existing zonal offices located in the six geopolitical zones: Enugu for the South-East, Kaduna for the North-West, Maiduguri for the North-East, Minna for the North-Central, Ibadan for the South-West, and Calabar for the South-South.
During the interactive session, Major General Ugo, who lauded the media, further called on the media practitioners to use their platforms to educate the public on the dangers of arms proliferation, even as he highlighted the media’s critical role in influencing public perception, shaping attitudes, and discouraging the culture of violence and illegal arms possession. He specifically expressed gratitude to the NUJ Anambra State Council for hosting the event and reiterated that the Centre remains open to collaboration with all stakeholders committed to national security.
While emphasizing that the fight against illicit arms is a shared responsibility, he maintained that through joint efforts, Nigeria can significantly reduce the threats posed by uncontrolled weapons in circulation. He further assured that any information provided to the Centre regarding illicit arms dealings would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and security.
Responding on behalf of the journalists, the Anambra State State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, commended the Centre for its proactive approach and pledged to collaborate in spreading awareness on the operations and activities of the Centre to ensure they receive the necessary public attention and policy support.
Dr. Odogwu also suggested future engagements such as dedicated media campaigns, town hall meetings, and sensitization programs targeting communities most affected by arms proliferation.
In his words, the NUJ Anambra is open to partnership towards realizing the Centre’s primary vision of making Nigeria safer by eliminating illegal weapons and reduce the threats posed by uncontrolled weapons in circulation, which have long fueled conflicts and insecurity in the state, the region, and the country at large.
The event was also graced by some principal officers of the Centre in the zone, including Lt. Col. Reginald Isiguzo (Assistant Director, Strategic Communication and Information); Col. Dr. Bendict Achodo (Assistant Director, Arms Registry); Mr. Okwudili Agboeze (Assistant Director, Int.); Mr. Ikemefuna Darlington (Senior Program Officer of the Centre); Mr. Marcel Onwudiwe (Program Officer); and Queen Juliet (Program Officer 1, Gender).
The opposition Leader and member representing Ideato North And South, Hon. Barr. Ikenga Ugochinyere ‘s Bill For Creation of more Local Government Areas in Imo State have passed second reading in the house of representatives Abuja.
The bill sponsored by the vibrant lawmaker also recommended creation of Ideato West Local Government with Umumaebemano as it Headquarters.
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has been counselled to face the serious business of governance and stop raising baseless security alarm on a mega rally in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the Minister would have informed security agencies by himself if he was going to attend any rally.
The FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who reacted to claim by the Bayelsa State Governor that “a mega rally and inauguration of a group loyal to the FCT Minister, was being planned to hold in the State,” said; “That alarm is shamefully baseless!
“It is so unfortunate that a Governor with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally, which is their rights to hold.”
He said Nigerians are free to express their support for anyone, anywhere and anytime, asking; “Is this how much the governor is afraid of Wike? Can the governor stop people from holding rallies in the State if they want to?”
Olayinka said if the FCT Minister was going to attend any political rally in Bayelsa State or anywhere, he would inform security agencies by himself and his involvement will be seen because he is not afraid of anything.
He noted that it was ridiculous that a governor had to call Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meetings to discuss issue of suspicion of people planning a rally for Wike, asking; “Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa State has become? Must he use Wike as cover up for his failure in governance and politics?”
Speaking further, Olayinka said it was funny that Governor Diri did not remember that Bayelsa was not Rivers State or FCT, when he was running after Wike, seeking support for his reelection.
“When he was seeking reelection, this same Diri was brought to Wike, like a thief in the night. He was brought by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri. David Lyon came with him then.
“As he was kneeling down, begging Wike to support him, he (Wike) was telling him, ‘No, don’t do that, you’re a governor, don’t do that.’
“Shamefully, the same Wike has now become someone he goes about disparaging, just to cover up his inadequacies. So obvious that some people don’t have conscience and its unfortunate.”
A recent incident at the College of Nursing Sciences in Asaba, Delta State, has sparked outrage among students following a controversial attempt to force public allegiance to the First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, during an official school event. Students’ reactions have highlighted their deep-rooted frustrations with what they see as a failing system that prioritizes scripted obedience over genuine care for their needs and aspirations.
The incident unfolded when the provost of the institution attempted to encourage loyalty and respect for the First Lady by asking students to chant their allegiance to Remi Tinubu. What was intended as a show of solidarity, however, quickly turned into an expression of defiance, as numerous students voiced their dissatisfaction and refused to participate in the forced display of praise.
For many students, the provost’s directive felt forced and insincere. One student expressed, “Respect and validation are earned through actions, not through scripted praise,” a sentiment echoed by many others who were present at the event. Rather than addressing their grievances, students argue that the administration’s response was to suppress their voices, punishing them for expressing their concerns.
The incident has brought to the forefront larger systemic issues within Nigeria’s educational and political environments, where dissent is often viewed as unacceptable, especially in spaces meant to promote free thought and critical dialogue. Many students have questioned the rationale behind being compelled to pledge allegiance to a figure they do not recognize or connect with as a “mother figure.”
While the incident was partly seen as a protest against the First Lady, students insist that their dissatisfaction stems from a much broader issue. They contend that leadership should seek validation through policies that address their pressing needs, enhance their educational experiences, and alleviate their daily struggles, rather than relying on staged events that demand robotic responses.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the administration at the College of Nursing Sciences faces growing pressure to address the real issues impacting students. Until these concerns are adequately addressed, the incident may be viewed as symptomatic of a larger systemic failure, one that could have long-lasting consequences for both the students and the institution’s reputation.
* narrowly escape prison sentence
* conduct challenges Court’s integrity
*as he invaded court with musicians, dances, masqurades, and food –
From Chuks Collins, Awka
An Anambra State High Court sitting at Ogidi, Idemili Judicial Division, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, presided over by Hon Justice Chukwudi Nwankwo has saved the neck of the dethroned traditional ruler of Alor community in Idemili South Council of the State, Chief Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo from prison over contempt charge, for now.
The Honourable court dismissed the contempt charge preferred against him, noting that jailing him of the charge at this stage may be injurious to his pending substantive appeal.
Contempt Charge: Trouble not over for dethroned Anambra monarch
Okonkwo was years ago (in February 2022) dethroned by the High Court and barred from acting as, or holding or presenting himself as or being addressed as a traditional ruler of Alor community. He was also barred not to perform any function as the traditional ruler of Alor, an order of which he was accused by the community of, hence dragged before the court for further orders and enforcement of same, and committal for flouting the orders of a court.
The contempt charge at the Court alleged that despite his dethronement was still going about parading himself as a traditional ruler, against a ruling of a High Court, which stopped him from discharging the functions of a traditional ruler.
But in its ruling Thursday, March 27, 2025, the court held that Okonkwo would not be committed to prison for contempt while his appeal is pending.
Justice Nwankwo averred that though a High Court ruled that the monarch should stop parading himself as traditional ruler of Alor, yet, he quickly filed an appeal when his motion for a stay of execution was denied.
The Alor People’s Convention (APC) -an umbrella body of Alor community had dragged Igwe Mac Anthony Okonkwo and the Regency Council to Anambra state High Court in Ogidi, challenging his purported selection/emergence. The organization had claimed he didn’t pass the diligent selection as it wasn’t the turn of his Umuokwu village. But that it was the turn of Uruezeani village.
The court having considered a plethora of written and oral evidence summarily dethroned and removed him.
He was consequently ordered not to act as, or present himself as or perform any function as the traditional ruler (Igwe of Alor community) any longer.
Okonkwo was reported as appealing the judgment when his “stay” application was denied having been filed too late when the community had already selected and installed a new monarch before his application came. The court held that the aim of the stay order he was seeking had been viciated, having already been completed based on the dethronement order.
So he approached the Court of Appeal, after which he was accused of continuing as a traditional ruler.
Dissatisfied, with the turn of events, the APC quickly went back to the High Court and filed contempt proceeding against the embattled Okonkwo.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ruling, counsel to the traditional ruler, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, described the ruling as victory of truth, as well as victory that will bring peace to Alor community.
Also, Okonkwo, who was present in court, thanked God for the ruling; while saying that the victory belonged to Alor people.
The court’s position was that punishing him now would be injurious and prejudicial to his pending main appeal court process.
Okonkwo came to court with a special chair, food, and local ogene musicians and dancers to celebrate that he didn’t go to prison today.
A native of the community who gave his name simply as Chief Egbuna wondered the meaning of the wild celebration, “especially when it had nothing to do the judgment that dethroned him”.
Also, it cast a very big shadow on the integrity of the judgement where a defendant already armed himself with musicians, dance troupe and food for celebration of a matter that he stood an overwhelming chance of losing.
However, the pending substantive appeal continues.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, Enugu Judicial Division has reaffirmed the decision of Enugu state High Court which declared:the arrest and detention ofone Stephen Egwuatu, a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB as unlawful and a vicious violation of his fundamental rights.
In a unianimous judgement delivered on Thursday by Justice Abdulazeez Waziri JCA, the Appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the Department of State Service, DSS against the lower court judgement as unmeritorious.
It therefore upheld the judgement of the lower court which ordered the release of Egwuatu on July 4 2023 and awarded a punitive cost of N5 million against the DSS.
The DSS had arrested Egwuatu on November 8, 2021 when he was 12 years old and detained him in their custody till 2022 when they arraigned him before the Enugu state High Court in Suit No. E/37/2022 for allegedly belonging to a separatist group known as the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB.
However, on July 4, 2023, the High court in it’s judgement, declared the arrest and detention of Egwuatu illegal, unlawful and a vicious violation of his fundamental rights and slammed the N5 million cost against the DSS, in favour of the defendant.
But dissatisfied by the lower court judgement, DSS , through the Enugu state Ministry of Justice, headed to the Appellate court in the Enugu Judicial Division and filed an Appeal No. CA/E/2023: State Security Service vs. Stephen Egwuatu challenging the decision of the Enugu State High Court in the Suit.
Describing the Appeal court judgement as a landmark, shortly after the unianimous decision, a human rights lawyer and leading counsel to the IPoB, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esw. KSC, said:: “it is pertinent to note that Stephen was only 12 years old at the time of his arrest and detention. Although he was arrested on the 8th November, 2021; the court strongly condemned the actions of the DSS, in the unlawful arrest and detention of an innocent minor, and consequently awarded a cost of N5 million against the DSS”.
According to Ejiofor, “we give all the glory and adoration to God Almighty for this resounding victory. Justice has once again prevailed. The enforcement of this judgment will be pursued to its fullest extent. Thank you all, and remain blessed, Ezigbo Umuchineke. We will continue to move forward”
